Margarita Miranda-Abate

Executive Director, Communications & Engagement, Latin America & Canada
Novartis

New Jersey

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“I don't admire one single person, to innovate it takes a team. I admire the final product of which I know it took a slew of dedicated people to put together.”

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After leaving agency life for Novartis, Margarita Miranda-Abate built the pharmaceutical giant’s communications function for Latin America and Canada, raising the company’s regional visibility and engagement. Doing so saw Miranda-Abate working with local experts to build country-specific programs that spoke to issues affecting different populations. Miranda-Abate  is passionate about emerging talent and enjoys mentoring, talent development and career guidance. She also believes in championing others to help them find their voice. 

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How do you define innovation?
1) Being open to creative ways to solve business issues 
2) Not being afraid to take risk and lose —  but what did you learn and how can it be applied 
3) Adapting and learning from outside your sector 
4) LEADING with something groundbreaking that will shake up your sector/industry 
5) Long-term vision and strategy 

What is the most innovative PR or marketing initiative you've seen over the past 12 months? 
Coperni Spray Dress on Bella Hadid 

In your opinion, which brands and/or agencies are most innovative in their approach to PR and marketing? 
Amazon, TikTok, Space X, Canva, Wendy's 

Describe a moment in your career that you would consider to be innovative. 
Launching the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. 

Who do you admire for his/her approach to innovation? 
I don't admire one single person, to innovate it takes a team. I admire the final product of which I know it took a slew of dedicated people to put together. 

How do you get out of a creativity rut? 
Dance 

What advice would you give to the PR industry around embracing innovation? 
Embed yourself in the business. Stay ahead of trends. Sometimes you don't need to be the innovator but have the drive to lead your company down the right path. 

What would you be doing if you weren't doing your current job? 
I'd be an archeologist 

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has provided inspiration over the past year? 
Official Competition 

How would you like to see work culture, and the role of the office, evolve? 
Agile to people's needs, remote/hybrid balance. 

How can the PR and communications industry harness innovation to make more progress on diversity, equity and inclusion? 
To me it's more about harnessing DEI to lead in innovations. When we have truly diverse, equitable and inclusionary leadership and teams, we bring the best ideas to the table and that is where we can be creative.